Timber producers wary of single environment body plan

Tuesday 14 February 2012

From Wales Online website:

THE WELSH timber industry – which pumps £840m a year into the Welsh economy and supports 18,500 jobs – claims the creation of a single environment body will result in more red tape and a reduction in timber supply.

Environment Minister John Griffiths launched detailed proposals last week around his decision to establish a single body to manage Wales’ natural resources.

And a period of public consultation follows the Minister’s announcement in November 2011, in which he said that he was minded to move to a single body that would replace the Countryside Council for Wales, the Environment Agency Wales and the Forestry Commission for Wales (FCW).

He said the aim of the new body will be to ensure the most sustainable and effective management of Wales’ natural resources. Over a 10-year period, he estimated, the transition from three environment bodies could result in savings of up to £158m before costs.

But Andrew Bronwin, chair of the Wales Forest Business Partnership, said: “Welsh Government has decided to proceed with the merger of FCW into a single body despite widespread opposition from the forestry sector.

“As an industry we need to make sure this new body will be up to the job.

“Consultations run from February to April and responses will without doubt influence the shape of the new body.

“It is vital that as many forestry businesses as possible submit informed responses.

“We need even handedness across these three strands of land management if the new body is to work properly.

“Already our industry is delivering on important European- wide agreements on sustainable land management, such as One Planet One Wales, producing more Welsh grown timber, adding extra value locally and promoting local employment.

“And we can do even more if we are given the right context to do so.”

Industry leaders say that the forests and woodlands of Wales are already some of the best managed in the world and that well-managed forestry has an integral role in the ecosystem approach to Wales’ environment.

Mr Griffiths said the consultation specifically covered the legal changes needed to establish the new body, its overall purpose, arrangements around customer and stakeholder engagement, accountability and transparency, and the Welsh Government’s wider ambitions for the new body.

“Wales’ natural environment is a vital resource that provides us with, amongst other things, food, water, fuel, recreational opportunities, jobs and a thriving tourism industry,” said Mr Griffiths.

“In the current challenging economic climate, it is more important than ever that we manage it as effectively and efficiently as possible to ensure the best outcomes for Wales.

“I am convinced that the establishment of a single body will ensure the most sustainable management of Wales’ natural resources

“Not only will it result in a more streamlined way of working, it will also ensure more effective delivery, improved value for money and better outcomes for Welsh people, Welsh businesses and the environment.

“However it is important that we get the detail right.

“This consultation will give everyone with an interest the opportunity to have their say on how the new body should operate and be managed.

“It covers crucial issues such as purpose, governance, accountability and engagement, and I look forward to considering views and opinions once the consultation process has ended.

“Welsh forests help with flood control and improving water quality. Biodiversity across the 15% of the Welsh landscape covered by forests in Wales is far higher than on agricultural land.

“Trees play a vital role in locking away carbon, and the use of the timber they produce in building and construction can lock away that carbon for generations.

“Woodlands also help support jobs in recreation and tourism, education and training.”

The consultation will run to May 2. You can access the full consultation document on the Welsh Government’s website here

Original Article